Liquid DME Extraction of Biomolecules from Dilute Aqueous Solutions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for extracting biomolecules, such as ethanol, from dilute aqueous solutions are energetically and economically inefficient, often requiring distillation steps and using solvents like carbon dioxide with low distribution coefficients, which offer no energy advantage over traditional distillation processes.
Innovation Solution
The use of liquid phase dimethyl ether (DME) to selectively extract biomolecules from dilute aqueous solutions, where the distribution coefficient favors the transfer of biomolecules into DME, allowing for concentration through vaporization and condensation, with the DME being reused in a refrigerant circuit to drive the process efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional distillation methods are used to extract biomolecules from dilute aqueous solutions, then separation can be achieved, but energy consumption is high and economic efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters by introducing a specific solvent system (carbon tetrachloride or chloroform with organic acid) that creates a new extraction mechanism based on distribution coefficients and phase behavior, replacing the thermal separation mechanism of distillation. This parameter change enables extraction at lower energy inputs while maintaining separation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an intermediary solvent system (carbon tetrachloride/chloroform mixture with organic acid) that acts as a mediator between the aqueous feed and the biomolecule. This intermediary phase facilitates selective transfer of biomolecules from water to organic phase, avoiding the direct thermal separation required in distillation and reducing energy consumption.
2Productivity
If carbon dioxide is used as extractant, then some extraction can occur, but the distribution coefficient is low (0.1) offering no energy advantage over distillation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the extractant parameters by replacing carbon dioxide with a liquid solvent system (carbon tetrachloride or chloroform) having superior distribution coefficients. This parameter change in solvent selection enables effective extraction without requiring the high energy inputs associated with CO2 processing and phase separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs readily available, inexpensive solvents (carbon tetrachloride, chloroform) that can be easily separated and reused, replacing the need for complex CO2 processing systems. These conventional solvents provide superior extraction performance at lower energy costs despite being traditionally viewed as less environmentally friendly.
3Productivity
If light paraffin oil is used to extract ethanol from water, then some extraction can be achieved, but the process requires high temperatures (30-115°C) and high energy input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters by replacing high-temperature paraffin oil extraction with a low-temperature liquid-liquid extraction system using carbon tetrachloride or chloroform. This parameter change in temperature and solvent type enables effective extraction at ambient or mildly elevated temperatures, dramatically reducing energy input requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the thermal-mechanical extraction mechanism (heat-driven mass transfer in paraffin oil) with a chemical-physical mechanism based on distribution coefficients and solubility differences in the carbon tetrachloride/chloroform system. This substitution eliminates the need for high-temperature processing and reduces energy input while maintaining extraction effectiveness.
4Quantity of substance
If solvent selection is optimized for high distribution coefficient, then extraction capacity improves, but separation factor decreases making water rejection less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite solvent system combining carbon tetrachloride or chloroform with specific organic acids (acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid). This composite approach creates a synergistic effect where the hydrophobic solvent provides high extraction capacity while the organic acid component enhances selectivity for specific biomolecules and improves water rejection, resolving the trade-off between capacity and selectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the solvent system properties to match the specific extraction requirements. Different ratios of carbon tetrachloride/chloroform and different organic acid concentrations can be optimized for specific biomolecule classes, allowing high distribution coefficient for target compounds while maintaining adequate separation factor through localized compositional adjustment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method achieves a significant concentration of biomolecules with reduced energy input, eliminating the need for distillation and enabling the processing of large volumes of dilute biomolecule-water solutions with improved economic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
mixing the dilute biomolecule-water solution with liquid phase dimethyl ether (DME), wherein the distribution coefficient for the biomolecule in a mixture of the DME and the biomolecule-water solution favors the transfer of the biomolecule from the biomolecule-water solution to the DME
Implementation Method 2
vaporizing the liquid phase DME in the first phase to vapor phase DME, thereby releasing the biomolecule from the DME
Implementation Method 3
recovering the vapor phase DME by condensing to liquid phase
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the energy efficient and selective extraction of dilute concentrations of biomolecules, e.g., small organic compounds, e.g., one or more C2-C6 alcohols, one or more C3-C5 carboxylic acids, one or more C8-18 fatty alcohols, one or more C1-C18 dicarboxylic acids, one or more furfurals, one or more furans, one or more butanediols, one or more butadienes, and mixtures thereof, from an aqueous solution using liquid phase dimethyl ether (DME).